If your New Year’s resolution to exercise regularly has stalled, consider hiring a personal trainer. These professionals are highly educated in health and fitness-related topics, including kinesiology, human anatomy, behavior change, and exercise science.
Trainers also are knowledgeable in how to perform and coach clients through exercises. They have the knowledge to assess a client’s fitness level, take body measurements, and create an appropriate workout program.
Qualifications
A personal trainer needs a wide range of skills, including customer service, leadership and fitness knowledge. Successful trainers are good listeners, able to motivate clients, and flexible enough to shift workout plans when necessary. They need to be able to complete an assessment for each client and provide feedback.
A degree in exercise science, kinesiology or anatomy will give you the necessary core knowledge of how the body functions. An exercise science degree also teaches you about the psychological aspects of exercise, while a kinesiology degree focuses on the physical movement of each body part.
It’s essential that you hold a national certification for personal training, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). These organizations set high standards for fitness professionals and can help you choose the one that best suits your personality and skills. CPR and first aid training are also a must. This is because, when you work with clients who raise their heart rates, there’s always a small risk they could suffer a cardiac emergency.
Certifications
Having the right certifications can make or break your career. Most personal trainer Vaughan are certified by organizations that have been accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies. These organizations include ACSM, NSCA, and NASM. They also hold educational workshops to support their career and help them keep up with the industry.
A personal trainer’s primary responsibilities are to assess, motivate, and educate clients regarding their health and fitness goals. Using an individualized approach, they create and deliver safe and effective exercise programs. They also conduct assessments of posture and movement, balance, core function, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and cardiovascular/respiratory fitness.
AIPT’s SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness program is a great option to pursue if you are considering a career as a Personal Trainer. In this course, you’ll refine your abilities to deliver client health/fitness assessments and exercise programs and learn how to plan and market your own business. You’ll also complete a full CPR and AED certification.
Experience
Many specialist career paths require specific educational qualifications. Aspiring doctors need to attend medical school, while professionals in the trades will undergo apprenticeships or NVQs. For personal trainers, however, the requirements are a little more flexible.
Once a trainer is accredited, they can work professionally, provided they have the right insurances in place. Qualification standards differ between countries, but the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPs) oversees standards.
A well-rounded personal trainer has experience in a wide range of fitness disciplines, including cardio, strength, flexibility and mobility training. They should also be able to keep up with new research in the field.
Moreover, trainers who are familiar with marketing concepts are better able to promote their services to potential clients. This helps them stand out in a competitive industry and improves their propensity for creating effective workout programs.
Personality
Personality is a vital attribute for trainers to have, as they work closely with clients. They need to be positive and energetic to inspire their clients, and they must be able to communicate well with clients. They also need to be flexible and adaptable to their clients’ needs.
Some trainers are naturally introverted while others are extroverts. Both can be effective, but it’s important for a trainer to be aware of their natural tendencies and adjust their approach to match the needs of each client.
A great personal trainer will enjoy helping their clients achieve success, and they will find fulfillment in seeing their clients improve their health and wellness. If you have these qualities, then becoming a personal trainer may be the perfect career for you! Take this quiz to learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a trainer. It only takes 5 minutes to complete! You can then start taking steps towards a successful fitness career.